Arteta Confirms Key Absences Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League Clash with Athletic Club

Mikel Arteta has provided key updates on the fitness of several Arsenal players ahead of their Champions League opener against Athletic Club at San Mamés. Speaking to the media in Bilbao, Arteta

confirmed that Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus will all miss the match.

Ødegaard sustained a shoulder injury during Arsenal’s recent 3–0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, forcing him off after just 18 minutes. Ben White has been sidelined since mid-August due to a knock, while Saka picked up a hamstring issue against Leeds United.

On Saka’s recovery, Arteta said:  

“It’s very early to understand when and which week he’s going to be available. But he will certainly be pushing to be available as quickly as possible.”